Orbit UK bags Jared Poon’s ‘heartwarming’ fantasy debut

Orbit UK has acquired debut author Jared Poon’s City of Others, an “action-packed, heart-warming” urban fantasy novel, set in contemporary Singapore.

Senior commissioning editor Emily Byron acquired UK Commonwealth rights from Zoe Morgan-Weinman at the Hachette Book Group USA. Angelica Chong originally acquired world English language rights from Maddy Belton at the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency. City of Others will be published in spring 2026.

The novel follows Benjamin Toh, an overworked and underpaid middle manager in a government department tasked with taking care of the paranormal population of Singapore. When an entire block of flats goes missing, Ben must juggle the demands of supernatural bureaucracy, an elderly father and a new boyfriend, all while trying to keep his team out of trouble and save the city he loves.

Featuring workplace-found family, queer romance and creatures straight out of Southeast Asian mythology, City of Others is described as Rivers of London (Gollancz) meets A Master of Djinn (Afrori Books), with the warmth of T J Klune.

Byron said: “City of Others is a pure delight to read! A book filled with wonder, magic, adventure and heart. I was immediately captivated by the vibrant worldbuilding and stayed for the wonderful cast of characters, all just trying to do their best against the odds. I’m so excited to introduce this brilliantly fun, fresh urban fantasy to readers."

Belton said: “Infused with warmth and wit, Jared’s voice captivated me from the very first page! City of Others is a fresh and glorious take on urban fantasy, with characters that take hold of your heart and a magic system that feels truly unique. I’m so excited to see the team at Orbit bring this book to life and launch Jared as a brilliant new voice in the genre.”

Author Jared Poon commented: “Writing City of Others was my way of rediscovering wonder for myself, here in my adult life, of excavating enchantment from places and jobs and lives that I’ve been told are supposed to be boring. I did a lot of child-like giggling while writing this, and I may have squealed like a delighted baby when I learnt that I’d be getting to work with the wonderful teams at Orbit US and UK, whose books I grew up with. Magic does exist, folks.”